Promoting the Buddhist Circuit by conserving the cultural inheritance of Aurangabad

Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) in association with Ministry of Tourism organized an International Buddhist Conclave in Aurangabad on 24th August 2018 with an aim to enlighten the people on various destinations associated with the Buddhist culture in the state. The idea is to highlight and promote Ajanta and Ellora as a tourist hotspot in the international Buddhist Tourism map.

MTDC is working to create new avenues in the state for Buddhist Tourism by strengthening their ties with Buddhist nations around the globe. MTDC is also planning to offer its land bank to Buddhist countries for developing Buddhist theme park and monasteries near Ajanta, the UNESCO heritage site in Aurangabad. MTDC is planning to tie up with KJ Somaiya Centre for Buddhist Studies to introduce new tour packages to promote Buddhist Tourism in the state.

The Ministry of Tourism has selected Ajanta and Ellora, UNESCO heritage sites under their Iconic Destination Project, to offer world-class amenities to the tourists. The Ministry of Tourism is also joining hands with the Ministry of Highways to develop the roads in Aurangabad for better connectivity of the iconic caves with the airport so that it becomes convenient for tourists coming in from other locations in the country.

Maharashtra has rich Buddhist heritage and culture. It is an idyllic destination for visitors who are looking for harmony and peace. Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) is encouraging local bodies to build Buddhist Circuits in the state. Some of the Buddhist Circuits are Stupa in Nalasopara, Global Vipassana Pagoda in Gorai, Mandapeshwar Caves in Borivali, Chaityabhoomi in Dadar, Elephanta Caves and Kanheri Caves in Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Karla and Bhaja Caves in Pune, Pandavleni Caves in Nashik, Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur, along with the UNESCO heritage sites at Ajanta and Ellora in Aurangabad.

Commenting on the occasion, Shri Jaykumar Rawal, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra said, “It’s a privilege to be part of the International Buddhist Conclave in Aurangabad which offers an excellent opportunity for us to come together with all Buddhist countries under one roof and discuss mutual prospects and develop new opportunities. The main aim is to highlight the significant locations where Lord Buddha preached, taught and attainted enlightenment or nirvana in the state.”

Shri Vijay Kumar Guatam (IAS), Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Government of Maharashtra added, “I am overwhelmed with the support we have received during the recent Buddhist Conclave 2018. Through this initiative, we would like to promote Lord Buddha’s teachings and encourage the rich heritage of the great religion. This event has helped in strengthening the ties between India and other countries. This is just a start and I feel there is much more to discover, we look forward to welcoming the Buddhists explorist across the globe.”

Commenting on the occasion, Shri Suhas Diwase, Managing Director, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation said, “Our objective is to widen the potential of Buddhist Tourism across the globe by encouraging tourists from Buddhist nations to experience its rich legacy through Buddhist monuments and centres in the state. I am certain that this step will prove to be of great interest to the tourists who wish to explore more about Lord Buddha’s journey and self-discovery and help in attracting visitors from other Buddhist nations like Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand among others.”

About MTDC:

Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors in the state that has generated substantial foreign exchange and significant employment prospects. Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) was established with the aim of promoting tourism in the state.

Maharashtra is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India offering a diverse range of experiences from pristine beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, natural caves, waterfalls, to imposing forts, colourful festivals, ancient pilgrimage shrines, museums, and historical monuments. For further details, please visit: http://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/

 

Colgate launches 10th edition of its Scholarship Program

The aim is to give children a future to smile about

In its 10th year, the program offers more scholarships and a free one-month subscription of BYJU’s study material with every offer pack

Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited, the market leader in Oral Care in India, launched its annual, Colgate Scholarship Program. As a part of the program, more than 500 children can avail scholarships up to Rupees One Lakh, and every consumer who buys the offer-pack gets a free one-month subscription of BYJU’s learning app.

Since its launch in 2009, the Colgate Scholarship Program has been contributing to the lives of children in a meaningful way. So far, these scholarships have enabled more than 1000 Indian families, across 100 cities, to give their children a brighter future – be it in dance, sports, music, or academics.

In the last three years, 14.8 million children have participated in the scholarship program. In the 2017 edition, about 0.9 million consumers benefitted from the BYJU’s study material provided through the Scholarship packs. The free BYJU’s subscription gives the consumer access to Maths and Science video tutorials for Standard 4 to 12, and can be accessed on the BYJU’s application using a unique code printed inside the Colgate Scholarship packs. For those who are unable to access the BYJU’s app, the study material has been converted into audio lectures, which are made available through a toll-free number provided on the pack.

Mr. Issam Bachaalani, Managing Director, Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited said, “At Colgate, we believe that everyone deserves a future to smile about and we attempt to bring that alive with our annual Scholarship Program, which we have been growing significantly every year. This year we have not only increased the number of scholarships but also maintained our partnership with BYJU’s, the learning app, to enable free education through every Colgate Scholarship pack. It is our constant endeavour to encourage more and more Indian families/children to take advantage of the Colgate Scholarship Program and to be able to support them in securing a better and brighter future.”

Byju Raveendran, Founder & CEO, BYJU’S, said, “We are excited to continue our association with Colgate Scholarship Program, and make education accessible, enjoyable and engaging for children. We hope to reach out to more Indian families and benefit their children with our specially created courses.”

How to participate in Colgate Scholarship Program?

Give a missed call on the toll-free number 1800 313 4575 -printed on the Colgate Scholarship packs (and also communicated through Colgate advertisements), answer a simple question on Oral Care, and stand a chance to win a Colgate scholarship.

The terms and conditions of the Scholarship Program, which is open from June 1, 2018, to September 30, 2018, are available at http://www.colgatecares.co.in.

Purchase of any Colgate pack is not mandatory to participate in the Scholarship Offer. The limited-period Scholarship offer is available on all Colgate packs with the BJYU’s unique code printed inside the Colgate Dental Cream (50 gms and above), Colgate Active Salt (100 gms and 200 gms), Colgate Active Salt lemon (100 gms and 200 gms), Colgate Active Salt Neem (100 gms and 200 gms), Colgate Cibaca (80 gms and 175 gms) and Colgate Cibaca Vedshakti (80 gms and 175 gms) packs.

Colgate Scholarships few Lucky recipients share their story:

Voylla: Vivid expression of Royalty of Chittor Fort, Rajasthan

~Voylla presents Jewelry inspired from the royalty of the Chittor Fort~

Voylla, leading fashion jewellery brand brings Chittor collection: an exquisite range of jewellery inspired by Rajasthani traditions and culture. Voylla believes that jewellery is truly an extension of a woman’s subtle inner self in an outward manner using the visual language of design.

Inspired by the rich culture of India, Studio VOYLLA presents handcrafted traditional jewellery studded with miniature motifs of Chittor princess/Maharani and mirrors. The assortment comprises neckpieces, earring, rings, chokers and matha Patti available in vivid colours and designs.

Voylla brings jewellery that is not just an adornment but a physical rendition of the wearer’s personality. This exclusive collection can be paired with any outfit and for any occasion, which will raise the style quotient instantly. The brand belief to create something unique and different that patron will cherish for years to come is what make the brand to stand apart.

What began in 2013 as an e-commerce experiment in Bangalore has grown into one of the most popular, omnichannel fashion jewellery brands in the country.

With a robust online presence and an expansive retail presence of 250 stores, Voylla is just a click and a step away from its patrons.

Voylla has successfully introduced the concept of high quality, impeccably crafted jewellery at affordable price points-a feat that remains unmatched in an increasingly busy segment. Voylla’s other USP is the way it has taken cues from traditional art, crafts and narratives to create contemporary accessories for the discerning patron. It is the only brand with a versatile line of jewellery playing the sartorial companion to everyone.

About Chittor Fort

The Chittor Fort or Chittorgarh is one of the largest forts in India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort was the capital of Mewar and is located in the present-day town of Chittorgarh. It sprawls over a hill 180 m (590.6 ft) in height spread over an area of 280 ha (691.9 acres) above the plains of the valley drained by the Berach River. The fort precinct has several historical palaces, gates, temples and two prominent commemorative towers.

Beginning in the 7th century, the fort was controlled by the Mewar Kingdom. From the 9th to 13th centuries, the fort was ruled by Paramara dynasty. In 1303, the Turkish ruler of Delhi, Alauddin Khalji defeated Rana Ratan Singh’s forces at the fort. In 1535 Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat, defeated Bikramjeet Singh and took the fort. In 1567 Akbar defeated Maharana Udai Singh II’s troops. The fort’s defenders sallied forth to charge the attacking enemy but yet were not able to succeed. Following these defeats, the women are said to have committed jauhar or mass self-immolation. The rulers, soldiers, noblewomen and commoners considered death preferable to the mass rape and pillaging that was thought to occur following to surrender to the Sultanate forces.

In 2013, at the 37th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Chittorgarh Fort, along with five other forts of Rajasthan, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as a group called the Hill Forts of Rajasthan.

Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation appoints new Managing Director

Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation has appointed Shri Suhas Diwase, IAS as its new Managing Director. Shri Diwase IAS batch 2009 took charge of the office on July 16, 2018. Currently, Shri Diwase is also working as the Chairman and Managing Director of Maharashtra State Warehousing Corporation. He holds a Master’s degree in Horticulture. He has also done Public Administration from The Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, Singapore. Currently, he is perusing PhD in Disaster Management.

On his appointment as the Managing Director, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, Shri Suhas Diwase said, “It’s a pleasure to take over in my new role at Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation. Tourism is one of the most important and rapidly growing sectors in India contributing significantly to the economic development of our country. Therefore, my focus would be to develop and analyse and understand the present tourism avenues in Maharashtra through new programmes and policies aimed at developing and sustaining tourism in the state.”

Prior to taking up his appointment as Managing Director, MTDC, Shri Suhas Diwase worked in various districts at several positions. He was Director of Disaster Management and CEO of Pimpri-Chinchwad New Town Development Authority and Collector of Bhandara district.

On taking over charge of his new role as a Managing Director, Shri. Suhas Diwase immediately had a meeting along with higher officials of Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) including Shri. Aashutosh Rathod, Director of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra and Joint Managing Director of MTDC and Smt. Swati Kale, General Manager, MTDC, Shri. Dinesh Kamble, Senior Manager, Publicity and PR, MTDC and other Head of Departments. He also had a review meeting of MTDC projects.

About MTDC:

Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors in the state, which generates substantial foreign exchange and has culminated in significant employment prospects. Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) was established with the aim of promoting tourism in the state. Since its foundation, MTDC has been at the forefront of development and maintenance of various tourist sites and at present owns and maintains resorts in these regions. To aide tourists, MTDC has opened information centres at all popular destination, which provide travel information about various tourist spots in Maharashtra along with travel maps, Maharashtra tourism guides and travel books at affordable prices.

 

Twin Events – AGM & COG – Special all the way!

Apex real estate industry body of Mumbai & MMR announced ‘Change of Guard’ as Mr Mayur Shah (also the Chief of Marathon Realty) handed over the baton to the newly elected President, Mr Nayan Shah (also the Chief of Mayfair Realty) amidst strong presence of over 500+ audience comprising luminaries from Banking, Finance, Legal, Government, developer fraternity and other important stakeholders like allied industry. We the team, CREDAI – MCHI hosted the prestigious events with elan. It was really an honour to be associated with such prestigious events.

The most respected Industry doyen Mr Deepak Parekh, Chairman, HDFC and Global icon from the world of Finance was the Special Guest of Honour. Shri Deepak Parekh in his very influential address on this special occasion brought out the challenges before the Real-Estate industry and its way forward.

Addressing the august gathering, Mr Parekh said, “We may have different views on various issues but all of us are following the same objective of our Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi – Housing for All. In my 40 years of being in the Real Estate industry, I have never been as optimistic as I am today. The Government of India has for the first time, introduced number of sops, incentives and concessions to all sectors of real – estate –  for developers as well as home buyers, which has never been done before in the past.”

The ceremony witnessed the grand unveiling of “Vision Manifesto” outlining the key objectives for the need of the Execution, Completion, Commencement for the Real-Estate industry, amidst presence of Mr Nayan Shah, who endeavours to carry forward all the ongoing initiatives like GST, RERA, DCPR 2034, Common DCR and take these to their logical closure in a time-bound manner, where the focus shall be on EXECUTION – COMPLETION – COMMENCEMENT.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Nayan Shah, President, CREDAI-MCHI said, “My endeavour is to make CREDAI-MCHI a universally respected Real Estate Trade body, Making Quality Affordable Homes across MMR a reality and work towards improving quality of life for all in MMR. I would work towards accomplishing the Mission to play the role of a facilitator and an industry catalyst in linking over 1500 developers across MMR with various stakeholders thereby projecting the MMR Real Estate Industry as a trustworthy partner in all-round growth and development.”

Mr Gautam Chatterjee, Chairman MahaRERA said: The year 2017-18 has brought in a paradigm shift the way Real – Estate business use to happen particularly when the current initiatives are towards affordable housing. The regulation brought in last year is showing your compliant behaviour, initiating a process under MahaRERA. The prime purpose of registering your projects, especially ongoing projects, MahaRERA wants stands by you to see that these projects are completed in time. This is the win-win situation for everybody – the consumer, the developer.”

Mr Ajoy Mehta, IAS, MCGM Commissioner, said “DCPR is in the last stages of finalization and for that, we are following a very transparent process. As we go along, the changes we make, we are going to show you and we want you to react. What is to be accepted would be accepted, what is not to be accepted, will not be accepted. At the end of it, there should be no surprises.”

As a part of the major goal for Vision 2022, the Managing Committee members and other members took the oath of Transparency, Integrity, Honesty, Justice, Accountability, Compliance and fair play. 

The event was made truly special with TriveniEthnics beautiful dull gold colour raw silk saree having traditional weaves and very adorning silhouette got me many compliments. Always happy to wear Triveni Saree for all my special occasions!

The team: